A Community Comes Together to Help Paula Stay Safe at Home

Paula, an eastside Indianapolis resident, has faced her fair share of challenges as she ages through the seasons of life, but she has persevered with a positive outlook and the support of her family, her faith and her community.

On Sept. 14, Paula received a much-needed boost thanks to the dedicated volunteers who participated in CICOA’s 14th annual Safe at Home Event. Volunteers spent a day making her home safer and more accessible. The event happened to fall on Paula’s birthday, and volunteers serenaded her with “Happy Birthday” as they offered their time and companionship as a gift to a woman who has given so much to the people around her.

Like many seniors, Paula worries about her safety and mobility as she ages. But the volunteers’ efforts on that day made a world of difference to keep her safe and prevent falls.

According to the National Council on Aging, falls are a major public health problem among older adults, leading to injuries, decreased independence, and even death. With low-cost, high-impact home modifications, we can help reduce the risk of falls for seniors.

A Lifetime of Resilience

Paula juggled demanding jobs while raising four children. She worked tirelessly, doing whatever it took to ensure her family’s well-being. She worked various roles in manufacturing, trucks, construction and driving a school bus. In fields largely dominated by males at the time, Paula’s determination led her to becoming the first female die-cut operator at the paper factory.

The Need for Safety and Support

As she gets older, simple, daily tasks like walking up the stairs or carrying items from the basement have become increasingly difficult.

Paula recognizes the importance of creating a safe and accessible living environment, and she got in touch with CICOA. She has an aide to help with household chores. With the help of CICOA, Paula was connected with volunteers who were eager to lend a hand.

A Team Effort for Safety

CICOA’s home modifications team visited Paula’s home to assess her needs and identify potential safety hazards. Together, volunteers worked on several projects, including:

• Installing grab bars: These essential features in the bathroom provide Paula with extra support and stability to prevent falls.
• Installing a Ring camera: The camera adds an extra layer of security, giving Paula peace of mind.
• Clearing brush along the fence line: Keeping up with the yardwork gets challenging as you age, and volunteers took care of these tasks for Paula.

The Importance of Community

Prior to living in her current home in Otterbein, Paula lived in a low-income apartment where she worried for her safety. Now, she is blessed to live in an affordable and safe home, thanks to her faith community, Living Word Baptist Church.

Led by Rev. Dr. Reginald B. Fletcher, a CICOA board member, Living Word Baptist Church provides ministry to assist the homeless and underserved communities in their neighborhood. The church graciously hosted this year’s Safe at Home event, and volunteers worked on seven homes owned by the church, out of 20 total homes served.

Paula is the president of the “Seasoned Saints,” a group of older adults from the church who meet regularly, which gives her a sense of purpose and belonging. She loves to cook and bake, and she sometimes brings her famous sweet potato pies to church.

“Everybody loves them!”

A Message of Hope

Paula remains optimistic about the future. She is grateful for the support she has received from her family, friends, CICOA and the community. And she is determined to continue living life to the fullest.

She says it’s a joy to wake up every day, especially when she hears her great-granddaughter calling for “Great G!”

“I hurt but I still get up. I’m not going to lay there and let that pain consume me,” she says. “I keep going and keep my faith in my Lord. I thank Him every day that I open my eyes.”

She encourages others who are facing similar challenges to reach out for assistance.

“Don’t give up,” she says. “Keep encouraging yourself. Don’t think you can’t get help.”

Through the Safe at Home program, Paula was able to receive the assistance she needed to remain in her home and live a more independent life. By providing a helping hand, volunteers have a profound impact on quality of life while also strengthening the bonds that connect us as a community.